Trojans chase hockey crown

Trojans continue to cling on to Havant’s coat tails at the top of South League Hampshire/Surrey Regional Division 1.

With three games left, one point separates the Hampshire pair, with the title unlikely to be decided until the final whistles of the season are blown.

Havant maintained their slender lead at the top with a 3-1 win over relegated London Academicals, while Trojans came from behind to beat Fareham II 4-1 at Stoneham Lane and probably end the visitors’ promotion interest in the process.

“Havant go to Epsom, who put us through the mill in a 2-2 draw a fortnight ago, and we go to Hamble, who have already beaten us this season. They are a formidable side at home,” he warned.

“It’s highly likely to go to the wire, so we’re in for some finish.”

It took Trojans a while to get a firm foothold against a resilient Fareham side, who took the lead through Alex Baxter.

Teenager Will Day was strong on top of the Trojans D and got the better of two defenders before teeing up Baxter for his 12th goal of the season.

Fareham, who ended Trojans’ unbeaten start to the season in late November, held the lead until just before half-time when they suffered a double blow.

Central defender Chris Boyland left the game with a shoulder injury and then, as if to compound the agony, Piers Everleigh scrambled Trojans level.

Trojans’ second goal from Charlie Gibbons was awarded after teenage Fareham keeper Rory Kemp appeared to be impeded.

Trojans seized the opportunity to press home their advantage and a waspish third strike by Ben Cole, which screamed into the roof of the net, effectively settled affairs.

Still aggrieved by the disputed second Trojans goal, Fareham lost their discipline and had several players sin-binned while Watts added a fourth to give the Stoneham side a slightly flattering 4-1 victory scoreline.

Hamble must bounce back from a 6-3 defeat by Wanderers as they prepare for a potential double over Trojans at Satchel Lane (1.30pm).

Paul Barber, Nick Williams and Matt Wood were on target for Hamble.

Tom Murtagh bagged his 19th goal of the season as Havant II beat London Academicals 3-1, with Andrew Galliers and James Speke also on target.